Date: January 26, 2005
Contact: Sandra Brunet
Phone: 340-774-2991
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VOICES SUPPORT FOR HEROES ACT
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave A. Richards, in his capacity as Acting
Governor, yesterday sent a letter to United States Congressmen Joseph
Lieberman and Jeff Sessions lending his support to the HEROES Act.
“The Congressmen’s efforts in sponsoring and pushing the
HEROES Act,” according to Lieutenant Governor Richards, “are
a commendable and honorable undertaking. It will afford a retroactive
increase in life insurance benefits to $400,000 and death benefits to
$100,000 for service members killed in combat. This will go a long way
in helping families mitigate financial hardships and challenges associated
with the loss of loved ones.”
The Lieutenant Governor added: “The Territory has been proudly
represented in the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and the National
Guard. Three of our very own have lost their lives in Operations Enduring
Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.”
“I fully agree with the honorable Senators, we can never repay
the debt we owe these servicemen and women. We are obligated to pursue
every avenue to bring resources and financial aide to ease the burden
families face as a result of their loss,” Lieutenant Governor
Richards shared.
Lieutenant Governor Richards extended his unwavering support to enable
the successful passage of the HEROES Act, and concluded, “I look
forward to the passage and implementation of the important Act. We are
eternally indebted to our veterans!”
